Hewitt slumped. “I used to think playing basketball was my identity. Then it changed when Hailey was born. She became my world. I was a father. I thought that would be my identity. When Hailey was taken from us, I had nothing. So, I made sure her disappearance wouldn’t be in vain. I gave up everything – the money, the glory, the crowds. I knew if I were to make anything worthwhile out of my life, I had to do something big for Hailey. So I did. I became the best at what I did. Now, I have nothing. I am nothing.”
Connie ran and put her arms around him.
“What are you doing?” Hewitt asked.
“I’m not letting you go.”
“Then I’ll take you with me,” he said.
“Fine. We’ll both sink to the bottom of the bay. But I’m going to try and convince you it will get better.”
“Better,” he said, trying to pull her hand off of him. “It doesn’t get better.”
She stuck her hand inside his belt, latching onto it.
“Let go,” he said.
“I know you’re bigger and stronger,” she replied, gripping it tighter, “but you’ve helped so many people. And you still have to help me find my brother and niece. You can’t give up.”
Hewitt pulled her hand out from under his belt. “I suggest you leave. I wanted to find you and at least apologize. I had my doubts at first whether you truly cared about your brother. I do know now that I was wrong.”
“I’m not leaving until we leave together.”
“We’re old and divorced and broken, Connie.”
“We may be broken, but we’re not dead,” she pleaded. “There’s no reason why we can’t still think young, right?” She held onto his shirt pocket and put her hand on his cheek.
He grasped her hand and pushed her away.
“Don’t,” she screamed. “You’re such a selfish bastard.”
Hewitt shook his head and turned to her. “What? Selfish? Do you understand how many parents I’ve made happy the rest of their lives by finding their children? Do you realize how much commitment and emotional strength it takes to do such a job? Do you know how I felt when the only news I could give to parents was when their kids’ bones were found? Do you? How dare you call me ungrateful! All that work I’ve done. I gave up my life.”
Connie started to cry.
“That won’t work,” he said. “It worked before but not anymore.”
She continued to weep, never letting her eyes move away from his.
“Go ahead, keep crying. It’s typical of a woman to use tears to manipulate a man. I deal with women like you strictly with my brain and not my heart.”
Hewitt continued to batter Connie with his classroom knowledge of how to cope in stressful situations. “This is the problem women have,” he said, digging into his pocket. He pulled out a tissue. “It’s why there are no females in our department. You need to remove the emotional attachment you might feel in these cases.”
Connie glared and rushed him. Hewitt backed up slightly, holding onto a pole. She slapped him. “Your work isn’t done. So put your jacket on and get back to finding my brother and niece.”
Then she kissed him hard. “And I mean it.” Her phone rang. She pulled it out of her purse and looked at it. “I’ve got to go and help a friend.”
She stared at him for a brief moment. “Do you still want to take a swim?” She pushed him into the bay.
“Why’d you do that?” fumed Hewitt, flailing around. He grabbed onto the wooden pole and started to climb out of the water.
“I don’t have any time for sulkers,” she said, walking away. “Find my brother and niece!”
Chapter 52
First-century Jerusalem
The sea was quiet. Only the bellowing sound of Augustus’ voice stirred the evening calm. Michael watched Paul close his eyes. The three Romans scattered across the floor, armor removed. Two lay asleep on their sides, while the third sat on a box facing Paul. Michael could see his back slump and head lower.
“Go to sleep,” he whispered to Elizabeth.
“How can I sleep? I’m a nervous wreck.”
“You shouldn’t be. There is no storm tonight.”
“It’s not the weather I’m worried about.”
Michael put a finger up to his mouth. “Quiet.” He reached into a cart behind him and retrieved a jug of wine. Michael grabbed two cups and got up. He steadied himself, holding onto a beam. Relax. The sea is not so bad. Not like the last trip. He bent over and took a short breath, running some saliva around his mouth to get rid of the nauseous taste.
“Are you sick again?” Elizabeth asked, holding onto his arm. “Sit down.”
He put his hand out and took another breath. “I’m fine.” He wobbled a few steps toward Paul, grabbing a beam every few feet.
Paul opened his eyes as Michael approached. His eyes widened as he pointed to the soldiers.
Michael held up the jug and winked. The Romans snored and shook, one kicking his spear away.
The soldier facing Paul tumbled off the cart. “What?” He turned and clenched Michael’s arm. “Where are you going?”
“To share this,” he said, handing him a cup. The Roman held onto his arm and glared. “You take risks, traveler. Not a wise one.”
“I am sorry. I had this and it was fulfilling. Can I pour you some?”
The soldier released his grasp and nodded. Michael filled the cup to the top and sat down beside him. “Why not enjoy the journey?” he asked. “Michael is my name.” He raised his cup.
“Alexander. Are you a Roman?”
“No.”
“What is your business traveling this way?”
“I am with my friend, Paul,” he said, lying.
“For how long?”
“A few sunsets.”
Alexander stretched his arms and yawned.
“You look tired, my friend,” Michael said.
“I am. This is my first journey. They sleep. I do not.”
“I understand your superior does not give you much respect.”
He nodded.
Michael poured wine into his cup. “Relax. The prisoner has nowhere to go. He cannot swim.”
Alexander looked puzzled. “A man of the world like him cannot swim?”
“He is old, feeble.”
“I am,” Paul agreed.
Alexander gulped the wine and yawned again. “I need sleep. It will be a long journey to Rome.”
“Rest then,” Michael said.
“I will lose my pay if I do.”
“I will watch him and wake you if he tries to move.”
Alexander shook his head. “I cannot risk my pay. He is not to be touched. His safety fetches us all more silver.”
“Well then, let us celebrate your first journey,” said Michael, taking a sip and raising his glass again. “So good. I feel wonderful. Do you?”
“Let me have more of that,” said Alexander. He took the jug away from Michael and emptied the last drops into his cup. He leaned on the cart and stretched his body after swallowing the remainder of the wine. As he rubbed his eyes and tried to straighten up, he held onto the wooden box. “Keep an eye on the prisoner,” Alexander said. “I will share my silver with you.”
He closed his eyes and lay on his side. His pouch fell to the floor, and two silver coins rolled toward Michael. He clamped his foot on them and placed the coins in his pocket. “Never know when I might need this,” he said, looking at Paul.
Michael watched Alexander slip into a deep sleep, his snoring reaching a high pitch within minutes. He inched his way to Paul and looked behind him, noticing his hands were shackled.
“What happened?” Michael asked.
“Their kindness is no more,” Paul said.
“I do not understand. What did Julius say?”
“He is frighte
ned of me. He heard of your snakebite and how you were healed.”
“I thought he knew.”
“He only saw you getting up.”
Michael rubbed his forehead. “That makes sense, but how did he find out?”
“A worker told him about your writing. He wanted to know why you needed the tablets.”
“What are they going to do with you now?” Michael asked.
“I am preparing.”
“For what?”
“The worst.”
Michael stood. “We have to do something. We need to escape.”
Paul bent over and showed him the chains.
“I know. It is another problem to deal with.” Michael held up the silver coins. “This money speaks here and anywhere I have been.”
“It may not be enough.”
Michael held onto a beam and looked around. He noticed another soldier sound asleep whose pouch lay near his face.
Paul shivered. “No,” he said. “There is much risk for you and your daughter. Remember the tablets.”
He grimaced. “I will not stand by and do nothing. I can tell Julius you did not heal me. I can say it was a spider bite, not a snakebite. He will believe me.”
Paul shook his head. “The truth is the truth. Why change it? Is the truth not worth defending with one’s life?”
“Do you not fear what the Romans will do to you?”
“No. I fear what you will do.”
Michael sat beside him. “I see sadness in your eyes.”
Paul did not answer. Michael noticed Elizabeth’s eyes wavered, shutting and then opening several times.
Alexander rolled over on his stomach, his pouch wide open and showing more silver. Michael stared at it for several seconds and sighed. He crawled over to him and put back the two silver pieces. He rejoined Paul, took a deep breath and leaned against a beam.
“You are a good man, Michael.”
Augustus’ shouting had quieted on deck, and the rowing sounds of the oars striking the water were silent. The boat swayed back and forth. Julius came down the stairs in a frantic rush.
“We must leave. Now,” he said, leaning down to unlock the shackles on Paul.
Michael got up. “Why? Are we there already?”
“No.”
“Wake up,” said Julius, nudging Alexander.
“What is wrong? Did the prisoner escape?”
“No, you fool,” Julius said. “You fell asleep. We must swim the last part of the journey.”
“Swim? How far?” Michael asked.
“I do not know. It is still dark. I cannot see the shoreline.”
“We must go now,” said Julius. “Alexander, get the others up. The prisoner and you will go. I will stay.”
“Why must we do this now?” Michael asked.
“There is a rogue ship approaching us. They seek the prisoner. I have my orders to get him to Rome safely.”
“I will go with him.”
“Can you swim?”
“Does it matter?” He rushed to Elizabeth and shook her shoulder. “We need to go now.”
“We’re there?” asked Elizabeth, stretching her arms.
“No.”
“Where are we?” she asked as she stood.
“I don’t know.” Michael emptied two carts. “Here,” he said, handing her one. “Use this as a float.”
He tucked the cloth with the tablets under his arm.
Julius stared at him.
Chapter 53
Modern-day Long Island
Connie sat on a cold metal bench in front of Jax’s bar. She pulled the cell phone out of her purse and touched the screen. She watched Hewitt running to his car across the street. “I owe you,” he shouted while shivering. “Big time.”
She glanced at him as he stopped his car in front of her. She waved with a smile and spoke. “Hey, Virginia. I got your call. Are you okay?”
“I am.”
“How do you feel?”
“Nervous.”
“Do you still need my help?”
“Yes, I’m scared. I know it’s a strange question to ask, but you are my new best stranger.”
“What do you need?”
“I know I have terrible timing. Of all nights I’m bothering you.”
“You’re not, Virginia. I’m here for you.”
“I’m at Northport General.”
“Now?”
“Yes,” Virginia said.
Connie reached into her purse for a tissue. “What a night to have your baby. How many centimeters are you dilated?” she asked while wiping a tear away.
“They tell me eight.”
“Are you being given any painkillers?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, sweetie. I’m on my way.”
“Thanks.”
Connie put the phone back in her pocket and watched Hewitt get out of the car. “Well, my night is about to become more exciting.”
“More exciting?”
“I’m sorry for pushing you in, but you deserved it. Mocking a woman in distress isn’t a very smart move.”
“You were trying to manipulate me.”
“No. I was expressing how I felt. I need to go.”
“Where?”
“A friend is about to have a baby.”
Hewitt didn’t respond.
“Can you give me a ride?”
Hewitt’s eyes widened. “Wow, you have some gall.”
“You owe me,” Connie said.
“Owe you?” Hewitt turned around for a second and then faced her.
“Yeah, you do,” said Connie as she stood. “I stopped you from becoming a whining hot mess.”
“You pushed me into the bay.”
“Yeah, I did. I’m glad I did. I bet it shook some sense into you.”
Hewitt sighed. “Where is your car?”
“I walked.”
“I’ll give you the ride.”
She nodded. “Thanks. She’s three weeks early.”
“Is that important?” he asked.
“I don’t know. But I want to support her. And I hope everything turns out all right.”
“Have the ultrasounds been good?”
“I believe so,” she said, following him to his car.
“Then what’s the problem?” he asked.
She stopped on the passenger side of the Cadillac, waiting for him to open the door. “She doesn’t feel she can handle having a child in her life at this time.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I need to help her.”
“How?” he asked, opening the door.
“Any way I can, even if I have to adopt the child.”
“Wow,” he said, sitting down and turning on the ignition. “That’s a huge responsibility.”
“I’m ready for it.”
“Does she know you’re willing to do this?”
Connie nodded. “Oh, yeah. Take me to Northport General.”
“Sure. Do you have it in writing? You know there are no guarantees.”
“I have her word.”
“Having her word doesn’t mean it would stand up in any courtroom.”
Connie faced him. “I’m not interested in going into any courtroom over a child.”
Hewitt drove up Main Street. “We’re about twenty minutes from the hospital. Are you sure about doing this? I’ve seen it turn out bad in situations like this.”
“I’m not going to listen to your sad stories anymore,” Connie said. “She needs my support. She has no one.”
“She might feel differently after she has the baby.”
Connie looked away. “I know. I don’t need to be reminded of what might not happen. I just want to be there for her.”
“Sure.”
Connie stared outside as they passed the stores along Main Street. She noticed the toy store, beautifully decorated with a big green ribbon in the front window. “I want to be a mother, Hewitt,” she said. “I want it so bad I can feel the baby in my arms. But I’d give it up if it meant having Elizabeth back home safely.”
“I know you would.”
She gave a faint smile and was surprised when he placed his hand on hers. “Stop.”
“Why?”
“I want to go in the toy store and pick up something.”
“Now?”
“It’ll only take a couple of minutes.”
Hewitt turned the car around and parked. “It might not be open now. It’s starting to get late.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said, shouting.
“I’ll wait here.”
“I won’t be long.”
Minutes later, Connie returned with a small bag.
“My Christmas present?” Hewitt asked.
“Ha. Next year, maybe,” she said with a smile.
Hewitt turned off Main Street and gave her a quick glance. “You would make a good mom.”
They sat in silence until they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Connie stayed motionless in her seat for a few moments while Hewitt rubbed his eyes. “You don’t have to go in,” he said.
She shook her head and took a tissue out of her purse. “That wouldn’t be fair to Virginia. She has no one. It’s about time I’m there for someone else.”
“Do you want to do this because you really want to or because of some guilt you need to erase?”
She wiped her eyes. “Probably both. No matter what happens I want to support her.”
Hewitt touched her hand again. “Do you want me to come in?”
“That would be nice.”
Hewitt smiled and Connie laughed. “What’s funny?” he asked.
“You look like a dork,” she replied.
“I thought dorks were cool today.”
“Tonight they are.”
They stopped at the main desk and received their visitor passes. Hewitt didn’t flash his FBI badge. Instead, he went to the bathroom.
“Going to dry off?” asked Connie.
Hewitt raised his eyebrows. “Give me a few minutes.”
The Greatest Gift Page 22